Independent School News: July Week 1

Considering independent education? Find the best school for your child here. Otherwise, read on for the latest independent school news (July 2026).

Wetherby Hosts 75th Anniversary Fundraiser

Wetherby School recently hosted a 75th anniversary fundraising gala at Soane Hall in Marylebone, bringing together parents, alumni, staff, and members of the wider school community. The event raised over £228,000 towards the Gold Standard Charitable Trust’s Wetherby Bursary Fund, which will for the first time support a dedicated bursary programme for teachers’ children. It was a festive evening, with guests enjoying performances by the Wetherby Senior School jazz band, professional magic tricks, and a silent auction.

Three year 12 pupils at Harrogate Ladies’ College (Duchy College from September) have won a technology research award for their project designing smart pet bandages

Tech Innovation Award For Harrogate Ladies’ Pupils

Three year 12 pupils at Harrogate Ladies’ College (Duchy College from September) have won a technology research award for their project designing smart pet bandages. Sophia Lo, Smillia Meister and India Thomas were awarded gold in the Best Research category (years 12-13) at the TeenTech Awards, which celebrate innovative creations by UK students. The trio’s winning project, called PetMedD, uses smart technology to help chronic wound healing in dogs and was praised by the judges for its ‘thoughtful design’ and ‘technical ambition’.

Felsted Alumna To Compete In Commonwealth Games

With the Commonwealth Games kicking off in just over two weeks, a Felsted alumna is set to become the first Old Felstedian to compete. Poppy Tydeman will be one of 15 athletes in the Welsh netball squad, who are seeded sixth and will play their first match against Uganda on 25 July. During her time at Felsted, Tydeman was head girl and competed in U18 netball at just 14 years old.

Queen’s College Raises £65,000 For Bursaries

Last week, the Queen’s College London and Queen’s College Prep School community raised more than £65,000 for school bursaries through a collective exercise challenge. Over eight days, families, pupils and staff walked, ran and swam towards a shared goal of 1,848 miles in celebration of the founding of Queen’s College in 1848. The final count was 7,000 miles – more than 280 percent of the original target – with all money raised going towards giving more girls a Queen’s Colleg education.

Two brothers at New Hall School recently completed a 40-mile charity walk, raising over £14,000 for Epilepsy Action and Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity

New Hall Brothers Walk 40 Miles For Epilepsy Charity

Two brothers at New Hall School recently completed a 40-mile charity walk, raising over £14,000 for Epilepsy Action and Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. Leo and Henry Walsh decided to tackle the challenge following Leo’s epilepsy diagnosis in 2024, one year after which he underwent brain surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Along with their parents, the brothers walked from Little Baddow in Essex to GOSH, raising money to ensure other children have access to the life-changing care and support that Leo was able to receive.

New Heads & Acquisitions

Wells Cathedral School: James Davies has been appointed the new head of Wells Cathedral School from September, taking over from Alastair Tighe. Davies is currently head of Halliford School as well as a reporting inspector for the ISI and a governor at the Yehudi Menuhin School. He is a trained musician and has been director of music at a number of parish churches across the country.

Tudor Hall School: Tudor Hall is the latest school to join the Mill Hill Education Group, bringing the family of schools to 16 institutions. The merger aims to safeguard Tudor Hall’s future while it enjoys additional benefits as part of the group, including collaborative opportunities with other members.

Discover Tudor Hall School: countryandtownhouse.com/schools/tudor-hall-school

Wycliffe College Prep: Becky Hanson will become head of Wycliffe College Prep from September, moving into the new position after 15 years at the school. Having been head of year and head of English at Wycliffe Prep in that time, Hanson is well-known by the school community and says she is ‘privileged’ to take this new role.

JAGS: In September 2027, Dr Fiona Miles will join James Allen’s Girls’ School as its new head. The current head of Loughborough High School will succeed Alex Hutchinson, who has led the school since 2020, and brings with her years of school leadership experience.